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Top Pet-Friendly Getaways In Connecticut

Thinking of a weekend getaway but don’t want to leave the pooch behind? Well, more and more great resorts and hotels are welcoming pets. There’s no reason for Toto to stay at home anymore. Let’s face it; the trend to travel with pets has been wagging its tail and its loot around so much that even high-end resorts are going out of their way to make Princess feel at home. Here are five great places to visit off season and in season that are pet friendly.

It doesn’t get more luxurious than the Saybrook Point Inn & Spa. Located where the Connecticut River flows into Long Island Sound, this elegant facility has incredible waterfront views. Best of all, it has pet-specific rooms. Although this historic inn only accommodates dogs under 50 pounds, these happy four-legged friends will be jumping for joy each time they pass the front desk. That’s because there’s usually someone there to greet them with a dog biscuit. “We do have patrons who find that it’s less expensive bringing their pets along than putting them in a kennel,” said reservation and spa manager Betty Loiacono, who added that only two dogs per room are allowed. In addition to the room rate, there is a $50 charge for the first night for the pet and $25 for each additional night. Dogs need to have someone with them at all times. “Dogs howl and bark with each other when left alone in a room,” said Betty with a laugh. “They have a language of their own that can cause quite a stir. Therefore, we provide a list of dog sitters, which guests can choose from, especially when they step out for dinner.” For the especially pampered pet, the inn offers a “Doggie on the Go” package for an additional fee. It includes an overnight water bottle, a doggie leash, a bowl and a flashlight for midnight walks.

Another picturesque place for a gorgeous getaway weekend or special celebration is the Interlaken Inn. Dan Bolognani, director of marketing, said that the resort is 30 acres large. No wonder pets like to accompany their owners. They’ve got plenty of space and places to sniff out. Definitely pet friendly, there are nine guest rooms set aside for people who don’t want to do the kennel scene and can’t bear to be without their traveling companions. There are two lakes on location, as well as plenty of hiking sites. “We’ve had dogs and rabbits and other pets,” said Dan who pointed out that being located in the Litchfield Hills offers breathtaking views and wonderful walks. Room prices vary so it’s important to contact the Inn for specifics. However, there is a surcharge of $15-$20 per day for pets.

Heritage Hotel
522 Heritage Road
Southbury, CT 06488
(203) 264-8200www.heritagesouthbury.com
Not only is Heritage Hotel a pet-friendly place to be, but according to the General Manager, Scott Robinson, when Hurricane Sandy hit New York and Connecticut towns, the hotel opened the whole place to people and set aside an entire pet-friendly section. “A lot of people from Long Island, Great Neck, Stony Brook and towns all over Connecticut stayed here. It’s hard for people who are not only dealing with a storm that has turned their lives upside down, but they have to deal with hotels that won’t accommodate them with their pets. We treat our pets as guests,” said Robinson. Reservations will definitely need to be made now that so many people have discovered this treasure. And by the way, there’s a dog park nearby. A $25 deposit is required for each pet.

Strawberry Park
42 Pierce Road
Preston, CT 06365
(860) 886-1944www.strawberrypark.net
Sometimes pet owners like to think outside the box. They are the ones who head out to Strawberry Park in Preston. According to Juanita Miner, who helps maintain the 160-acre campsite, the place is open year around. “We’re doing a lot of remodeling now, especially because we’re pet friendly,” she said. “We’re replacing the log cabin’s carpeting with tile floors.” We have 55 units that are available on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.” The property is so well maintained that it’s considered manicured. There are 50 units available for rental including log cabins with full kitchens, park models and even “pet friendly RVs.” Only a short distance from places like Mystic Seaport, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun Casinos, this is one campsite that is very proud of its five-star rating.

Pet lovers take note. Hawthorn Suites in Meriden is a facility that makes it easy for pet owners to take their pets outdoors anytime day or night. There is an 80-pound limit on the size of the pet and a charge of $25 per night and $160 for a six-night stay. Room rates vary. “The view is very nice,” said the lady at the front desk. “We’ve got a gazebo in the back and grills. People with pets do enjoy their stay here.” For more information and/or reservations, call (203) 379-5048

Joanne Greco Rochman is the arts editor of The Fairfield County Review, a columnist, critic, feature story writer and English professor. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Republican-American and Hersam-Acorn Publications. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.